"The light that comes from wisdom never goes out"
Premier Natalio “Sowande” Wheatley appears to be getting ahead of himself in his haste to lure opposition members to the government bench. He should slow down. When announcing recently that …
Continue reading “EDITORIAL: ‘Minister of state’ plan is half-baked”
New Opposition Leader Myron Walwyn has hit back at Ronnie Skelton’s claim that toppling him from the role amounted to “stabbing” him “in the front.” “To imply that Hon. Skelton …
A new rift has reopened old wounds in the House of Assembly. Ronnie Skelton said this week that Myron Walwyn “stabbed” him “in the front” to replace him as leader …
After less than five months on the opposition, At-Large Representative Lorna Smith has once again crossed the floor in a surprise move that strengthens Premier Natalio “Sowande” Wheatley’s government by …
A top-level trade delegation to the far east has succeeded in combating recent international “media attacks” on the reputation of the territory’s financial services industry, according to Premier Natalio “Sowande” …
Continue reading “Asia trip hit back at hit job on Virgin Islands, premier says”
Long-delayed plans to build a new sewage system in Cane Garden Bay are back on track after Connect Enterprises Limited signed a $3,785,274.55 contract to carry out “Phase Two” of …
In a cramped room last Thursday morning at Maria’s by the Sea, three opposition members pitched a new solution to the stagnation they said has bogged down both sides of …
Over the past 10 days in the House of Assembly, the government fast-tracked two bills designed to boost law enforcers’ authority, drawing criticism from opposition members irked by Premier Natalio …
Continue reading “Police, cybercrime bills rushed through HOA”
Citing a lengthy list of grievances and accusing the premier of “incompetence,” the opposition attempted to topple the government with a vote of no-confidence on Tuesday in the House of …
For decades, successive Virgin Islands governments have shamelessly wasted the public’s money by awarding pork-barrel contracts to cronies and other unqualified bidders. Last month, a divided House of Assembly barely …
Continue reading “EDITORIAL: Opposition should stop resisting COI reforms”
Courts, pensions, resources for the opposition, roadworks and other infrastructure, healthcare, the airport expansion project, housing costs and more were debated for nearly two days before the House of Assembly …
The House of Assembly recently appointed all six opposition members to the Public Accounts Committee — in their absence. Originally, the House had been slated to approve the same appointments …
Cowardice. That is the label given to the actions of Premier Dr. Natalio “Sowande” Wheatley by the opposition following last week’s House of Assembly meeting. In a press conference last …
Continue reading “Opposition defends House of Assembly walkout”
The new six-member opposition got off to a strong start this month by appointing a shadow cabinet. The move — which assigns a specific portfolio to each opposition member — …
Continue reading “EDITORIAL: New opposition starts strong by appointing shadow cabinet”
Kudos to Premier Andrew Fahie for holding regular press conferences in recent months, and to opposition members for hosting similar sessions fairly frequently as well. We hope this practice will …
Continue reading “EDITORIAL: Keep the press conferences coming”
Small contractors in the Virgin Islands have been losing out on petty contracts under the current government, Opposition Leader Marlon Penn said during a press conference on Tuesday. “One of …
During a press conference last week, opposition members slammed Premier Andrew Fahie for writing the United Kingdom to excoriate Governor Gus Jaspert for his decision to call in help from …
Continue reading “Opposition members blast Premier over UK letter”
The day after the government hosted a more-than-three-hour-long Covid-19 press conference last week, opposition members voiced their concerns about leaders’ recent decisions, calling on them to present a detailed plan …
The below list breaks down the main initiatives proposed this week by the opposition as an economic stimulus package to help the territory weather the coronavirus pandemic. 1. UNEMPLOYMENT BENEFITS …
Continue reading “What the opposition wants: an economic stimulus plan”
Opposition members criticised the government on Monday for delaying an economic stimulus package and they proposed a plan of their own, but Premier Andrew Fahie clapped back the next day, …
After we criticised the opposition in October for an apparent lack of coordination, we are delighted that members now appear to be working as a team to hold the government …
Continue reading “EDITORIAL: Kudos to an opposition that has much to do”
After losing former opposition member Alvera Maduro-Caines to the Virgin Islands Party and seeing the resignation of Recovery and Development Agency CEO Paul Bayly this month, opposition members acknowledged last …
Continue reading “Opposition promises to hold government accountable”
The opposition gave a press conference on Monday in which they criticised the fact that the budget debate on Friday initially proceeded without most opposition members present, although it later …
Four opposition members called a press conference the day before last Thursday’s House of Assembly meeting and alleged that the current administration is engaging in nepotism and cronyism — charges …
After this month’s House of Assembly meeting, it is clear that the opposition needs to do a better job of working as a team. During the session, different members asked …
Continue reading “EDITORIAL: Opposition must work as a team”